Mossburg wrong on Md. abortion law

I write as someone who supports making reproductive choices available to all women, not as one of "those who support 'choice' at all costs," one of many misleading characterizations in Marta Mossburg's recent commentary ("After Gosnell, Md. should rethink late-term abortion," May 8).

"Abortion is virtually available on demand throughout a pregnancy," she asserts.

Under Maryland law, if the fetus is viable, an abortion may be performed only if "necessary to protect the life or health of the woman or if the fetus is affected by genetic defect or serious deformity or abnormality."

"A doctor can override the requirement [for parental notification] for almost any reason," Ms. Mossburg writes.

Our law provides that a physician may not give notice if "in the professional judgment of the physician, notice to the parent or guardian may lead to physical or emotional abuse to the minor, the minor is mature and capable of giving informed consent to an abortion; or notification would not be in the best interest of the minor."

The people of Maryland have already passed judgment on these statutes. They approved them by a 62-38 percent margin after they were petitioned to referendum in 1992.

Del. Samuel I. "Sandy" Rosenberg, Baltimore

The writer, a Democrat, represents Baltimore City in the House of Delegates.